How To Make A Dog Crate Escape Proof

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We all want to keep our dogs safe and in good health. For this reason, many dog owners are inclined to invest in a dog crate.

A dog crate can be used for travel and as a way of confining your pet when you’re away.

However, it’s important that the crate isn’t too big or spacious. If it is it can become a place your dog uses as their personal bathroom.

Dogs are naturally curious and want to explore their surroundings.

If you’re not around, they might try getting out of the crate in order to do so. Some dogs can be quite the escape artists and we’re going to look at how to make a dog crate escape proof.

How To Make A Dog Crate Escape Proof:

Some of the easier ways to make a dog crate escape proof are to add additional security measures of your own. Strengthen weakened or vulnerable spots. Or, make their time spent in a crate more enjoyable by making it considerably comfortable or by providing toys.

It can be very stressful for owners when their dogs escape from a crate. Not only could your dog get injured or lost. It’s also a sign that your pet is unhappy with their living environment!

There are many ways you can keep your dog from escaping their crate by making them feel more comfortable inside. me.

If your dog has figured out how to get out of their crate, there are ways you can make it more secure. Here are 4 tips on how to make a dog crate escape proof. Or, to stop them from even wanting to escape.

Table of Contents

4 Easy Steps To Make A Dog Crate Escape Proof

Add Your Own Security Measures

If you’re looking for a way to keep your dog from escaping their crate or getting into something they shouldn’t be… like the trash, consider adding a padlock to their crate.

Most crates on the market today that have latches or slide shut doors. Unfortunately, these can easily be popped open by a determined doggo.

Padlocks are an easy and affordable solution that can be installed in minutes. They help prevent dogs from opening crates and getting into things they shouldn’t eat or chew on.

You want to make sure your pup is safe when left alone in their crate. So why not add something as simple as a lock?

It takes just seconds to install and will give you peace of mind knowing your pup won’t get into anything he/she shouldn’t while unattended.

Your dog will no longer help themselves to yesterday’s trash or your valuables with this simple addition! You won’t have to worry about coming home to a mess anymore.

Strengthen Vulnerable Spots

Most crates are made to be easily folded for storage or transporting. While this is helpful, it create points of weakness that dogs can use to escape.

However, most crates can be made escape-proof. It takes just a few minutes, some simple tools, and materials that are easy to find in any home or hardware store.

Here is how to do it!

The first step is making sure your dog crate is strong enough for your pup’s attempts at breaking out. If it isn’t sturdy enough, then there’s no point in trying this method because they will still get out eventually anyway.

Make sure all corners are reinforced with metal brackets or even some zip ties so they don’t bend under pressure from chewing or scratching.

Next, you can take apart the door latch mechanism and replace it with a stronger one (you can use an old bike lock as explained above) or, simply add the padlock to the existing door latch mechanism.

Lastly, you can reinforce the floor by putting screws through the bottom into wood blocks placed underneath where your dog sleeps or sits when inside their crate.

This should prevent them from digging up through the floorboards.

If your dog is quite the escape artist, these tricks should help keep them in their crate.

Make Crate Time A Great Time

Do what you can to help them make the most of their time in their crate.

Provide Them With Toys

Could you imagine being stuck in your room all day with no phone, or computer or even a book to read.

Simply left to fiddle with your thumbs. You’d probably break the door down to escape as well!

If you give them some toys that they enjoy playing with that can help pass the time and give them something to focus on, their desire to escape will be much less.

Make It Super Comfortable Inside Their Crate

Naturally, dog’s are animals that enjoy den-like shelters. If their crate stays in a bright area with too much space inside, this can cause them to become restless and attempt to escape.

The more you can make their crate feel like a den the higher likelihood they’ll begin to enjoy staying inside.

Getting a crate cover is a great idea to help make it darker inside for them. If you don’t have a crate cover a towel or blanket will work for the time being.

Also, giving them something comfortable to lie on inside the crate is a good idea (as long as they’re crate trained).

If you put a nice crate mat/pad inside, their time spent in their crate can become a much more enjoyable experience for them.

Putting a piece of your clothing in the crate is another great idea because it’ll help them feel more calm and secure with your scent lingering.

Crate Train Them!

The idea of crate training is something that many dog owners struggle with.

When you’re first introducing your pup to the crate, make sure they have a positive experience.

This will help them associate the crate with good things and prevent any bad experiences from happening in the future.

The first time you introduce your doggo to the crate, it’s best to do so in a quiet room with few distractions.

Put some treats and toys inside the crate and let them explore on their own.

If they get scared or nervous, just reassure them that everything is okay by calmly talking to them from outside the crate.

Once they’re comfortable going into the crate on their own, try closing it for short periods of time while rewarding them with praise when they come out.

You can also put a treat inside that will only be accessible once they go back in without any prompting from you at all!

This teaches your pup how to stay calm even when left alone in a confined space.

This is the most effective answer to how to make a dog crate escape proof because you’re train theming to not want to escape!

A great video walk through of training your dog to enjoy being in their crate is shown below:

How To Choose the Best Dog Crate

As a dog owner, you want what’s best for your pup. When selecting a dog crate, there are many factors to consider. Here are some things to keep in mind when choosing a crate for your dog:

Size

The first thing to think about when choosing a dog crate is size. You want to ensure the crate is big enough for your dog to stand up, turn around, and lie comfortably. Your dog will feel cramped and uncomfortable if the crate is too small. But, on the other hand, if it’s too big, your dog may be able to use the extra space to plot an escape!

Escape-Proofing

If you have a known escape artist dog, you’ll want to make sure the crate is escape-proof. This may mean choosing a heavy-duty crate with reinforced sides or adding extra locks to the door.

Material

Dog crates are typically made from plastic or metal. Some owners prefer plastic crates because they’re lightweight and easy to clean. Others prefer metal crates because they’re more durable and escape-proof.

Convenience

Another thing to consider when choosing a dog crate is convenience. For example, some crates come with removable trays for easy cleaning, while others have wheels for easy transportation. Consider what features would be most convenient for you before making your final decision.

The bottom line is that there is no one-size-fits-all answer to choosing the perfect dog crate. The best crate for your dog will depend on their individual needs and your personal preferences.

Why Do Dogs Try To Escape Their Crates?

Dogs may try to escape their crate for many reasons. For example, some dogs may become anxious or stressed in their crate, so they try to escape in search of comfort. Other dogs may become bored and are looking for something to do. And, of course, some dogs may see escaping as a fun challenge! Overall, why a dog tries to escape their crate is varied depending on the dog.

Final Thoughts

Are you tired of the time and money it takes to repair your dog’s crate? Not all dogs are escape artists, but what if you have one that is?

It can be a real pain to clean up after them in addition to repairing or replacing several things.

Dog crates are a great tool for pet owners. They can help with training, containing your dog when you’re out of the house and many other uses.

However, some dogs don’t like being in crates which means that they need to be escape proof.

We hope the tips provided in this post will helped you figure out how to make your dog crate escape proof and keep your pup inside their crate.

Other posts you might find interesting:

Where Should I Put A Dog Crate In My House

The 27 Best Dog Crates For Small Dogs And Puppies

How To Stop A Puppy From Crying In Their Crate | Simple Tricks